Creating “Monumnetal Moments” In Our Lives, Despite Less Than Ideal Circumstances
25 Nov 2010 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: Christ, christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, Epistle to the Romans, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Israelites, Linda Newton, Lord, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, Oakhurst California, Old Testament, our daily bread devotion book, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
In the Old Testament, when God did something memorable or miraculous for the children of Israel, they would erect a monument to commemorate the event. I think it’s a faith-building tool to keep a record of those amazing times in our lives when we see God’s hand of help and hope.
We may not be able to see how God is going to provide a plan while were in the middle of trouble, but hindsight shows us He was handling things all along. Romans 8:28 in the Message says, “That’s why we can be sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”
I have a special journal where I write down all that God has done and when I add to the list, I’m able to spend some time reviewing previous blessings on my gratitude list and my trust is strengthened all over again. I call these my Monumental Moments, so I won’t forget those moments when God clearly intervened to take care of me, and supply what I needed in those challenging times.
The Lord wanted His people to erect a monument so that they wouldn’t forget His goodness and provision. We journal our Monumental Moments for the same reason. Can I encourage you, to sit down with your journal, a pen, and a cup of your favorite tea? Look back over the landscape of your life and acknowledge God’s grace as you recognize his patient care over the years, even when you doubted his goodness. Thank him for his provision and let this awareness fuel your faith in the future.
Linda Newton’s contagious enthusiasm and engaging storytelling brings God’s Word to life. With authentic transparency and down-home humor she shares how God transformed heartbreak in her life into hope from her new book Twelve Ways to Turn Your Pain Into Praise published by Warner Press. Her new devotional book, Better Than Jewels: 31 Days of Biblical Insight for a Woman Seeking God is currentlyat www.LindaNewtonSpeaks.com. Linda and her husband Bruce pastor Sierra Pines Church in Oakhurst, CA where Linda has served as a counselor for the past 20 years. As a speaker, author, and counselor her passion is to lead ladies to a greater understanding of the abundant life available to them in Christ (John 10:10). You will laugh, learn, and leave feeling closer to the Lord! Visit her web site here.
Why Am I Not getting Emails From Rest Ministries This Week?
20 Nov 2010 2 Comments
Dear friends,
I have figured out how to drop you an email to let you know that
the Rest Ministries site has been down recently and that is why you
have not received emails, etc. from us this week.
Last Sunday, I decided to make a list of all of the things on the web site that had little quirks I could not figure out how to fix and get someone I had hired in the past to give me a quote. One of
these things was “automatic updates.” Well, in making my list, I hit a wrong button and “kabam!” Web site gone.
And I could not figure out how to get it back. The man I have
hired, Jason, has been working on it all week and I hope it will be
up this weekend.
Since the site went live in 1996, it has never been down this long.
But. . . I have lifted it up to the Lord. It is in His control.
Normally, I would likely have been such a wreck over this that
everyone around me would have, well, been miserable! Instead, my
son was home sick from school, I began the Orencia drug (an
infusion for rheumatoid arthritis). I made it to a psychiatrist
visit for my son and his parent/teacher meeting and Ta Kwon Do
graduations for my husband (his first!) and one this morning for my
son.
As my web site sat empty, Josh and I sat at the table and made a
Henry Ford paper doll for his school book report.
I’ve been on an interesting journey, and I have to say that God has
been using the life-coaching thing in many ways. This week I was
reminded of my personality style and its strength and weaknesses. I
believe my illness has made some parts of me more “moderate” (for
example, my soul love spontaneity; the body, not so much!)but I
also see that I was just wired a certain way. The results of the
personality test described me as well at age 6 as it does today.
My point is, I SO LOVE this ministry. And I can so see why, despite
all of my faults, God has blessed me by placing me in an area where
I get to be a part of your lives and chronic illness ministry.
Behind the scenes right now, God is reshaping and molding the
ministry into a new place where He is more prevalent than ever.
Despite the web site being down this week, I’ve not stressed about
it, but instead have continued to work on future Bible studies for
the ministry and pray about God’s direction.
I apologize for the inconvenience of not getting our messages this
week, but I hope we will be back soon. I (Lisa) “…always thank
God for all of you and continually mention you in [my] prayers.” as
1 Thess 1:2 says, and I thank you for your prayers for me and Rest
Ministries as well.
On a side note, we do still have our bookstore working at
http://chronicillnessbooks.com and appreciate any shopping you may
do. We’ve had just a few small orders this week and we are not
covering our basic expenses at all.If God has blessed you
financially, we appreciate your help in this way too. If not,
please don’t concern yourself with it.Use coupon code 60OFFOCT10
9copy and paste it to get the “o”s and “zeros” right. It’s good
for an EXTRA 60% off 47 items in the OCT Sale section at
http://tinyurl.com/rm-octsale !
Blessings to You,
Lisa
Hope is More Than Just a Feeling, Despite Our Illness’ Disappointments
10 Nov 2010 5 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: Ankylosing Spondylitis, Atrial Fibrillation, christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, Chronic (medicine), chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, Lord, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, Niphal, our daily bread devotion book, Psalms, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
- Image by Simon Hua via Flickr
“Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who hope in the Lord.” (Psalm 31:24)
How the usage of the word “hope” has changed. Now we say “I hope so” when it’s an uncertain thing. We just “hope” that maybe thing will turn out okay.
In Scripture (according to Strong’s Concordance), the Hebrew words for hope means the following.
1. to wait, hope, expect
a. (Niphal) to wait
b. (Piel)
1. to wait, await, tarry
2. to wait for, hope for
c. (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for
I rarely say – “I am waiting for it to happen!” or “I expect that it will happen!” It’s usually more of a “maybe it will happen” kind of thing.
How differently the Scriptural meanings make me view the words “those who hope in the Lord.” God wants us to wait expectantly. While the answer may tarry – the answer will come – and it will be the perfect answer. It may not seem so at the time. That is where we need to be strong and let our heart take courage.
I often “think” more than I “feel” things. I can tell myself that something will happen – the words coming from my thoughts. How much different it is to have that confident hope in my heart.
We who deal with chronic conditions often feel we have no hope. We might be thinking the worst. The diagnosis is a dreaded one. We may feel we do not have the strength to go on. Chaos may seem like it is reigning in our lives.
Yet, there is a place to put our hope that will not fail us. Somehow, someway, God will prevail. It’s not a maybe. It’s a certainty, if our hope is in God. If we place it anywhere else, it is misplaced and turns into that dreaded, fearful “maybe. . . “
With God it is a certainty. Our hope in Him is not misplaced. We can count on it.
Can you hold this in your heart?
I hope so.
About the Author:
deni believes that the only true way to deal with chronic pain and chronic illness is to bring them to the feet of her Lord and Savior. Her multiple challenges (Ankylosing Spondylitis, Porphyria, Celiac Sprue, and Atrial Fibrillation to name a few) have taught her many things about herself and her Christian walk. It is her fondest desire that her lessons may be helpful to others as they walk the path of chronic health challenges. She can be reached at EncouragingWords@me.com. Her website is http://www.pathwaysforchange.com/Encouragement.
Weary and Burdened. . . And Taking Our Pain Back to God Again
09 Nov 2010 3 Comments
in Devotionals2 Tags: American Sign Language, Christ, Christ Jesus, christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Gospel of Matthew, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, Religion and Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering, wendy spurling
“Come to Me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)
With all of my illnesses, my financial situation, and my lack of relationships, I truly feel burdened and weary. Everything seems like too much work, I’m tired all the time, and am in a lot of pain.
Instead of trusting God and taking Him at His Word, I oftentimes just feel sorry for myself. This is not a good thing, as it hurts me and it hurts God. He gave us Scripture as rules to live by, and I am choosing not to trust, not to accept His never-ending comfort. It hurts Him when I make a decision to trust myself instead of Him, as He has given us these awesome promises.
The Bible says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” in James. If we go to Him, weary and heavy burdened though we are, we will find peace in Him and rest. Hallelujah! We don’t have to live in this fear, pain, and uncertainty alone!
And then God gives us people in our lives that were put there to comfort us in our afflictions. Not only does He Himself comfort us, but He uses us and our friends and families to do so. Rest Ministries is only one example of that.
I am gladdened when I look up to Him. Instead of staying inside ourselves, let’s look up, and there He is in all His glory, waiting with open arms to save us from ourselves, to comfort us, to love us, and so much more.
Prayer: Dear God, Thank You so much for Your promises and Your truth. We can stand in certainty and expectation of your salvation, from yesterday, to today, and forever. We come before you in trust and hope as we wait on You and Your timing. Please draw near to us as we draw near to You. In Christ Jesus’ Name, Amen.
About the Author:
Wendy Spurling lives in Northeastern Massachusetts. She lives alone, but is surrounded by friends. She loves writing, reading, and using the computer. She is going to college for Human Services and Deaf Studies. She loves American Sign Language! Most of all, though, she loves the Lord.
Submitting Our Life, Illness, Everything to God’s Will
07 Nov 2010 Leave a Comment
in Announcements Tags: christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Gospel of Matthew, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, Ohio, our daily bread devotion book, prayer, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“Again, for the second time, he went away and prayed, ‘My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, your will be done.’” (Matthew 26.42)
“Thy will be done.” How many times do we really mean that prayer, or even pray that prayer? Don’t we really desire in our prayers that:
“Lord, please please do what I want, what my will is, please give me what I’m asking for, what I desire, what I will.”
It is a scary proposition to ask the Lord that “His will be done.” What if His will is to take us through very difficult circumstances to deepen our faith and build character in us? What if His will is to allow our hardship to continue to teach us patience? Or to help us to better relate to others who are suffering?
And then there is this–isn’t it interesting that Jesus did not pray what today is considered a “great prayer of faith”? He did not claim His desired outcome, but rather put His fate and His prayer outcome in God’s hands. This is worth considering, for today many preachers have it backwards, removing God from the equation and placing their own will solely at the beginning, middle, and ending of their prayers.
I would submit to you that you can never go wrong in placing your faith in God’s will for your life. You may not get everything you want, but you will find God’s mercy and grace at work in your life.
Prayer: Dear Lord, You always know what is best for us, while our vision is limited, You know and see all things. Thank You for the times You say “yes” to our prayers, and the times You say “no.”. Thy will be done. Amen.
About The Author
Karlton Douglas lives in Ohio with his lovely wife. He has suffered with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Crohn’s Disease for many years, and has found God faithful to help him in his afflictions.
At His Mercy
06 Nov 2010 Leave a Comment
in Devotionals2
At His Mercy
When life seems a desert, endless and cold
In the long night of suffering, to fall
Feeling hopeless while dark clouds unfold
Your gentle words bid me recall
I’m at His mercy and I never had it so good!
When dreams held long and close to my heart,
Promises no longer seem mine to embrace
The heavens like brass refusing to part
Your loving counsel reveals The Lord’s grace
I’m at His mercy and I never had it so good!
When fears shadow my nights and my days
Hope eludes my searching, His peace to know
Tears blinding my eyes from The Son’s rays
Your faith tested and tried, His glory does show
I’m at His mercy and I never had it so good!
Nora Peacock © 2009
Nora Peacock, twice a survivor of stage 4 lymphoma, lives with chronic pain and fatigue. Surgical complications have left her mobility-challenged and in pain since 2001. A car accident in 2002 fractured C-5 in her neck, in addition to a fall in 2003 which caused permanent nerve damage to her right leg. Married 42 years, this mother of 7 children rests in the loving hands of her Heavenly Father. With rejoicing she declares: “I’m still walking, talking, and writing!”
May The God of All Comfort Be With You During Your Dark Lonely Moments of Illness
05 Nov 2010 1 Comment
in Announcements, Devotionals2 Tags: Absence seizure, christian encouragement, Christmas, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, Father God, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, Fireplace, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, god of comfort verse, HNI Corporation, Holy Spirit, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, nancy dittert, Online shopping, our daily bread devotion book, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, Stove, United States
“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever.” (John 14:16)
Sometimes we have days or times that fall right into place and all in our world just seems to be content and blessed. How wonderful these days are for us.
On the other hand we also have times that we may feel confused, depressed and even distraught because all seems to be going wrong for us. I think we have all been there.
That special cake you were baking for company falls, the person you were trying to help lashes out at you in a selfish and contrary way when all you were trying to do was help. Maybe you have had bad news from your doctor, or you lost your job. It may seem that there is no one to understand what you are going through.
This makes me think of our dear Saviour as He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. His very best friends and followers fell asleep instead of praying with Him and taking Him seriously when He needed them the most.
Can you think of times in your life that have been like this?
God gave us another Comforter, the Holy Spirit, to be the advocate for us and to help us in times of need, physical and emotional pain, loneliness or heartbreak.
God, and in particular the Holy Spirit, are sometimes given the title of Comforter. Jesus comforts his followers with assurance that his teachings are true and that God will provide for us, both now and in heaven.
Prayer: Father God help us and give us that wonderful comfort that only You can give. We thank You and we lift up your holy name in assurance that You will help us in all our needs. Amen.
Pastor Nancy Dittert (Founder of Fibro/Chronic Pain Support Group Ministry) lives in a Berm home in Rural Central Iowa with her husband & soul mate Patrick. Nancy lives with Severe Fibromyalgia, Absence Seizures and Neuropathy. She is still actively involved as a Christian freelance writer and works full time in chronic pain ministry through the Internet.
When We Are Suffering The Only Power Behind a Positive Thought is Jesus
04 Nov 2010 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian encouragement, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals
“May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14)
According to the Collins English Dictionary, darkness means, “the absence of light.” The definition doesn’t say anything about darkness being its own entity, but rather the absence of something else – light. I always found that interesting because you can either have light or you don’t have light – you can’t have it both ways at the same time.
That same principle is true in regards to our thoughts – you can either think positive, uplifting thoughts or you can think negative, dreary thoughts. You can’t be doing both at the same time. “Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be.” (James 3:10) Unfortunately any negative thoughts replace the positive thoughts we may have had. And when you’re chronically ill, that type of thinking only adds to our struggles.
Scripture tells us that we are to encourage one another with our actions and words (Ephesians 4:29). I believe God tells us that several times because He knows how impacting our mind, thoughts, and words are to our inner strength. Just one negative thought can poison our entire attitude, not to mention it can affect those around us – and once it starts spreading it takes a lot of effort to rein it back in!
Don’t let negative thinking overpopulate your life. Instead, let the Word of God live in your heart. There is no better cure for cynicism than picking up the Bible and meditating on its soul-touching words. And as you interact with others remember that, “An anxious heart weighs a man down, but a kind word cheers him up.” (Proverbs 12: 25)
Prayer: Dear God, help me to be an encouragement to those around me and give me the wisdom to say and think positive words so Your name might be glorified. Amen.
About the Author
Bridget Gazlay resides in the beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, IBS, arthritis and migraines. She works full time but writes and designs fabric cards as she is able. Bridget’s prayer is for readers who come across her writing or fabric cards to see that she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” You can reach Bridget at: quiltforhim@yahoo.com, www.pfccreations.com and www.pfccreations.com/blog .
We Will Reap Rewards From Not Growing Weary of Doing Good
02 Nov 2010 1 Comment
in Devotionals2 Tags: christian, christian encouragement, Christianity, chronic illness, chronic pain, daily devotion for women, daily scripture readings and meditations, encouraging scriptures, finding bible scriptures, finding peace through trials scripture, free daily bread devotionals, free daily devotion, God, Health, illness ministry, inspirational bible scriptures, inspirational poems and scriptures, inspirational stories, invisible illness, Jesus, meditation, more daily devotionals via email, our daily bread devotion book, Religion & Spirituality, rest ministries, short inspirational devotionals, suffering
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Do you ever become weary of doing good? Last week I cleaned for company who then decided at the last minute to not come (but then came the next day). I made 36 pretzel/cracker/peanut butter “spiders” for a Halloween party my son was invited to. I worked on my 5 hours of homework for my Bible study and then worked on the Rest Ministries Bible studies I am writing. I tried to spend time to give myself to God, my husband, my son, my sister, my ministry.
And I was weary! Exhausted! So, so tired. The irony is I am in the middle of working with a life coach to become more “balanced.” But how does one be a good wife, mom, teacher helper, sister, daughter, and ministry leader at the same time? And how on earth do we do it while living with a chronic illness.
Had I it do over I would have bought store bought cookies and skipped the home-made spiders. My son made about 3; I made 33. I cannot really think of what else could have been cut. I didn’t go to my Bible due to a horrible headache and only hours of sleep. I skipped the 8 AM Halloween parade at of costumes at the school, even though my son was a bit disappointed. I tried to be reasonable, but there was just too much to do.
At times like this I cling to this verse: “. . . for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Sometimes we overdue unnecessarily and we have to take a second look at our schedule and our limitations. Other times, we simply must get through it and know that God knows. God knows our reasons behind our weariness. Our body is flaring, but we are trying to make special days special for those we love.
The harvest may come as a better marriage, our child’s memories, or even just hope for better days. But don’t give up. Don’t let weariness stop you from living. Don’t give up. God knows.
About the Author:
Lisa Copen is the founder of Rest Ministries and lives with daily pain from rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.
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